BUILDINGS AND CONTENT INSURANCE

Buildings insurance covers the structure of your home as well as any permanent fixtures and fittings, such as your kitchen and bathroom. As a mortgager, you're required to have buildings insurance as a condition of your mortgage.

Contents insurance protects your belongings within your home. Contents insurance covers anything within your home that you can remove and take with you to another property, so possessions such as your clothes, furniture, fridge and television. Just be aware that there are some exceptions to this rule, including carpets, so always check what’s included within the definition of ‘contents’ in your policy booklet.

You’re not legally obliged to have contents insurance, but if you own or rent your home it’s a good idea in case something unexpected happens – for example, you have a fire or your home is burgled.